Arizona - With the retirement of Kurt Warner, the Cardinals are supposed to run more this season. We will believe it when we see it! That said, this could be a tough transition season for the Cards as they continue to rely too heavily on the pass and Matt Leinart is likely to go through some growing pains this season as he needs more experience.

Atlanta - If the Saints suffer a Super Bowl hangover, this is one division rival that will most certainly take advantage. The Falcons did quite well last season when you consider some of the injuries they dealt with throughout the year. Now, healthier and with most of last season's roster intact, Atlanta is ready to make their move.

Carolina - Have to respect coach John Fox but this team has lost too much in terms of personnel. They're missing key depth, especially on defense. The talent level just isn't what it once was and it's starting to show in their results with another frustrating season on tap for Panthers fans.

Chicago - The Bears are still trying to adjust to Martz as his offensive schemes take time to learn well enough to execute properly. Defensively, especially with off-season upgrades and a healthy Urlacher, the Bears look like they should be an improved team this season. As the season goes on, the offense should gel.

Dallas - Solid team, no doubt about it. However, the offensive line injuries are a major concern entering the season. That could be enough to slow this team out of the gate.

Detroit - Big changes should lead to a solid team in the defensive trenches this season but the secondary looks weak and the offense is a work in progress to say the least.

Green Bay - Major issues in the secondary entering the season. Yes QB Aaron Rodgers leads a dangerous offense but if the secondary can't regroup as the season goes on, this will hold the Pack back!

Minnesota - The way things went for the wide receiver corps in the preseason, one has to have some concern about the Vikings. However, the rest of the team is very solid and Minnesota will again be one of the top teams in the NFC.

New Orleans - It's simply hard not to call for a Super Bowl Hangover for the Saints. Should be some value in going against New Orleans in letdown spots throughout the season.

New York Giants - This offense has a lot of weapons. The defense, with a new defensive coordinator and a big upgrade in the secondary with Rolle, should show some improvement this season.

Philadelphia - The Eagles are projected to slump this year but don't include us in that group of naysayers. We remember time after time when Donavan McNabb would throw passes at receivers feet or ten feet over their head. Kevin Kolb is a good fit for this offense. The offensive line made the proper adjustments, including getting rid of Peters, and the defense is speedy and athletic.

Saint Louis - Young QB, youth along the offensive line, and last year their defense was among the league's worst. Look for the Rams to struggle again this season.

San Francisco - The Niners continue to be a team on the rise. However, San Francisco does have concerns about the offensive line due to injuries and youth. We definitely expect the Niners to continue their upward move though.

Seattle - How much does have Hasselbeck have left? He does have solid talent to work with at the wide receiver spots but what about the beat up offensive line that is limping out of the preseason? Defensively the Hawks were horrific against the pass last season and we didn't see this substantially addressed in the off-season.

Tampa Bay - Young, inexperienced, and simply a tough team to invest in unless this team gels quicker than expected.

Washington - The Redskins certainly should be an improved team this season but Donavan McNabb may not be the answer everyone expects at QB for Washington. See our Eagles notes above for more info about his passing accuracy!

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